I'm writing to update you on progress on the Drumbrae site that the University of Edinburgh has recently purchased.  

The University plans to use the site to create woodlands to sequester carbon, and also improve biodiversity and heritage understanding. We’ll do this through managing woodland and open habitats and engaging in projects with community and special interest groups, while maintaining access for local communities. 

Over the last few months, we have been seeking early engagement with local communities through a survey to hear what is important to them on this project. This survey is now closed, and we will be using the responses gathered to inform aspects of our plans for Drumbrae. Our next steps are outlined below: 

Drop-in information session 
We hosted a Drumbrae Consultation event for members of the public. Our team were at this event to discuss and explain the draft proposals. Large-scale maps were on display, and people were able to share their views.  It was held on Friday 25 August 2023 in the Bridge of Allan Sports Club
 
Woodland creation at Drumbrae: share your views 
Everyone is welcome to view our plans and respond to our consultation survey. Over the coming weeks, we will be adding more information to our website, including detailed site maps, nature and heritage surveys.  The survey will open from Monday 28 August to Friday 29 September 2023.  All the information on Drumbrae, including the consultation survey can be found here: edin.ac/drumbrae-consult.

Please feel free to share this information with relevant groups and individuals. Our website will be kept up to date with the latest information.

Yours sincerely,  

Yvonne Edwards 
Forest, Peat and Rural Land Manager

University of Edinburgh | Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | +44 (0)131 651 3000

www.ed.ac.uk/sustainability | The Boilerhouse, High School Yards, Edinburgh, EH1 1LT
Twitter: @edsust | Facebook: EdinburghSustainability | Instagram: ?@uoe_sustainability 

From earler in the year

A Land Management Plan is being proposed for land to the North West of Dumyat. 

See the website; Download the plan

Quoting from the website

'Drumbrae is a newly acquired site of around 431 hectares that will be managed by the University of Edinburgh to create woodland and improve open habitat. It is in the Ochils, near the city of Stirling, north of Bridge of Allan. It sits in the Stirling Local Authority Area.

A new Land Management Plan is being produced to map out and guide what we will do at Drumbrae.

It covers:

• woodland creation
• increasing biodiversity
• engaging with local communities, local to the site and internally at the University of Edinburgh.'

The land was on the market recently for £1.850m. Here is the sales brochure.